Blackpink Concert Ticket Scam Leaves Victims Out 900 Million Won

Scams Surge Ahead of Next Year's Hong Kong Concerts
Hong Kong Police Receive 200 Fraud Reports Last Week

There has been a surge in scams involving the purchase of Blackpink concert tickets in Hong Kong for next year, prompting local police to launch an investigation.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on June 16, Hong Kong police announced that they received 200 reports related to online shopping fraud last week. The police department's anti-fraud Facebook page, 'Cyber Defender,' stated that the victims of these incidents have collectively lost 5.5 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately 955 million won).

Blackpink. YG Entertainment

Cyber Defender posted a warning urging extra caution when making online purchases. It also shared the case of a 25-year-old man who fell victim while trying to buy Blackpink concert tickets for the show scheduled at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium next year. According to police, the victim saw a post on Threads advertising two Blackpink concert tickets for sale and contacted the seller via Instagram. He transferred 4,900 Hong Kong dollars (about 850,000 won) to the seller's account in exchange for receiving e-ticket QR codes for the concert, but subsequently lost contact with the seller.

Hong Kong police stated that, in cases similar to this, the total amount lost to scams has reached 5.5 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately 955 million won). Police noted that, among recent reports, 14 cases were related to Threads and 10 involved concert tickets. They advised that when conducting online transactions, buyers should always check the seller's account information, such as the account creation date and posted comments, and, if possible, meet in person for the transaction. They also urged people to stop the transaction if anything seems suspicious.

Previously, in 2023, there was a surge in ticket scams ahead of Blackpink's solo concert in Vietnam. As a result, administrators of Blackpink fan clubs and concert groups posted notices warning fans to beware of scams involving Blackpink's Hanoi concert tickets. At the time, phishing sites appeared that slightly altered the official concert website domain and closely mimicked its design.

Meanwhile, Blackpink is scheduled to hold two concerts at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium on January 24 and 25 next year. All tickets for these performances sold out within about 90 minutes of the start of general ticket sales.